As dusk devours the landscape, so too does an eerie, haunting sensation consume me. A peculiar plant prevents my further passage to the safety of my home, with its gaunt arms of green and grayish-brown taunting me to come nearer. A chill brushes over me, and the shrub rustles with a sinister whisper, and I... Continue Reading →
Fall Flare It's a delicate timing balance between witnessing the peak color intensity of the season and that moment the leaves decide to suddenly drop like confetti at midnight on New Year's day. While it may be short-lived, catching a glimpse of that fall flare is a sensory pleasure whether it's during a casual nature... Continue Reading →
Ordinarily this would be an idyllic setting for a rendezvous. Was this female mallard stood-up by her prospective date? Or is she waiting like a traditional sea captain's wife, hopeful for her mate to return home from his long voyage? Or does she already suspect the worst and her low, distinctive quacking will continue to... Continue Reading →
Seasonal vibrance The air is becoming cool and crisp. Doorsteps, lampposts, and mailboxes are adorned with cornstalks, gourds, pumpkins, and cornucopias - signifying the plentiful harvest and the generous feasts to come. Changing trees create an inviting atomsphere and embody the obvious transition from the warm summer days to the cozy fireside evenings of winter.... Continue Reading →
Serenity Later The hour is not too late to set aside the busyness and business of the day. But delay no longer to nurture a growing calmness within yourself - become a reflection of the tranquility and peace of nature's beauty that surrounds you. Words and images by Michael J. Hall
You'd left us too soon, still having so much more to impart To teach us To guide us To share with us To embrace us To comfort us To provide for us Always cherishing Her parents and her siblings Her nieces and nephews Her husband and her babiesEven in the final hours of perishing Afraid... Continue Reading →
Elegant zinnia Between the daily visits from woodchucks, rabbits, and deer it's a wonder that any plant from our garden with a mature height of six feet or less manages to survive. But zinnia flowers thrive and are resilient in the face of these adversities. This must be why many cultures see the zinnia as... Continue Reading →
Dahlia Clarion The nearly black foliage and rounded lemon yellow petals of this dahlia species make for a passing resemblance of its little pollinator friend. With a blooming season that lasts from mid-summer until the first frosts, this bitty bee has plenty of time to collect pollen and nectar ahead of winter. But you can... Continue Reading →
Is there any other flower's fragrance that evokes a stronger memory of pleasant, leisurely seashore walks on a warm summer afternoon in New England? Words and images by Michael J. Hall
Periodic musings meant for mutual inspiration. Enjoy!
